Apple confirms: 'We had to file new Apple TV paperwork with FFC'

Following reports that Apple is set to release a slightly smaller Apple TV set-top box, based on drawings filed with the Federal Communications Commission, the company has issued a statement confirming that it was required to file the paperwork following an internal component change.

Following reports that Apple is set to release a slightly smaller Apple TV set-top box, based on drawings filed with the Federal Communications Commission, the company has issued a statement confirming that it was required to file the paperwork following an internal component change.

"We sometimes make component changes which require an updated model number for regulatory approval. The component changes we made don't affect product features and Apple TV customers will continue to have the same great user experience," an Apple spokesperson told Cnet.

The Apple statement makes no mention of the smaller size of the box, however it does appear to confirm news that the components have changed.

As we reported yesterday, it is thought that the next version of the Apple TV will feature the Broadcom BCM4334 wireless chip that also features in the iPhone 5. This means the Apple TV no longer needs two chipsets to connect to Bluetooth devices and Wi-Fi networks. It could be due to this chip that Apple had to make the FFC aware of the change.

A firmware change also seems to suggest that the next Apple TV will feature the A5x processor that featured in the third generation iPad. The current model features a A5 chip.

Apple has recently added Bluetooth keyboard functionality to its set-top box and many are hopeful that the company has some exciting new features to introduce soon that will benefit from the extra control offered by a keyboard.